Agriculture & Food Systems

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​Food is a basic necessity of human life. But at Vermont Law School, we also believe that food is a unique vehicle for change, as it is intimately tied to human health, the environment, poverty, immigration, animal welfare, law, politics, and culture, on every step of its journey from farm to plate.

Growing and distributing food that is good for the people and for the planet will require new markets, innovative business models, and new federal and state rules governing land use and water rights, food labeling and school food standards. Based out of the
Center for Agriculture and Food Systems​ (CAFS), Vermont Law offers a dynamic curriculum to law and policy students who want to specialize in the business of feeding a growing population sustainably in a world impacted by climate change.

Students specializing in Agriculture and Food Systems will have access to a robust and growing list of food and agriculture classes. But lawyers and advocates-in-training can also take courses in environmental law and sustainable business; develop farmer toolkits in VLS's Food and Agriculture Clinic; and explore opportunities created by our position in the Vermont Higher Education Food Systems Consortium.

And, of course, students will want to spend some time visiting the many sustainable farmers and food entrepreneurs in Vermont. There are 22 small farms and orchards dotting the landscape within just a 10-mile radius of campus--the exact type of small producers that CAFS aims to support. Even Vermont Law School's cafe is doing its part: 85 percent of the food served on campus is local and organic. Come take your seat at the table.​

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The Certificate in Food and Agriculture Law covers sustainable agriculture and food and the connections these systems have to the environment, energy, human and animal health, labor, and climate change.​

Working directly with leading conservation organizations throughout the country​ and with local community groups and promoting access to justice for those who would not otherwise be able to obtain legal representation.

Laurie Ristino, far left, professor of law and director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, speaks with Suzanne Long, far right, of Luna Bleu organic farm in South Royalton, Vt. Joining them are to Vermont Law students, Emma Hempstead JD '14 and Deliah Griswold MELP '13.​